Adaptive Reuse

Housing Element Program HE-1

The adaptive reuse ordinance implements Housing Element Program HE-1: Facilitate Conversion of Nonresidential Buildings to Housing from the 2023–2031 Housing Element. The new SBMC Section 30.185.045, Adaptive Reuse Projects, was adopted by City Council on October 21, 2025 with an ordinance effective date of November 20, 2025.

City Council provided guidance for the adaptive reuse ordinance in a Joint Work Session with Planning Commission on July 26, 2024. The Planning Commission provided additional feedback on December 12, 2024. The ordinance was crafted and refined through public participation, including multiple focus group interviews, comments at public hearings, and presentations to the Historic Landmarks Commission and Architectural Board of Review. 

Planning Commission (June 12, 2025) and Ordinance Committee (July 29, 2025) recommended the ordinance to City Council for adoption. The ordinance was introduced to City Council twice (September 9, 2025 and October 14, 2025) with ordinance adoption on October 21, 2025 (ordinance effective date is 30 days after adoption).